Chapter 68

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Chapter 68

“I should start at the beginning, because I don’t remember how much I told you. Probably not enough,” Jasper spoke quietly, the breath behind his voice skimming the planes of my chest. I was trying to listen, though it was difficult to force my brain away from the celebratory thought that Jasper and I were lying together in our bed, having just made love. Being with him like this was the realization of so many dreams; it was hard to focus on anything else. This was important, though, so I made my best effort. 
“I figured out I was gay early in high school, but I didn’t do anything about it. You were the only one I was interested in, and you weren’t interested in me, at least not that way. I loved you and I thought being with all those girls was making you happy, but I was so jealous, especially when you started dating Bella.”
“You knew I didn’t care about the girls. I’d told you,” I reminded him even as I mentally cringed at how callous I’d been back then. In an effort to emulate and please my father, I’d used girls for my own purposes, giving them nothing in return except for the dubious “honor” of my company. It wasn’t easy to face that part of my past, especially knowing now how it had made Jasper feel to listen to me brag about my exploits.
“Knowing that made it a little easier, but when you started seeing Bella things changed. We spent less time together and I tried to convince myself that I had to put you out of my mind and move on.”
I understood. It didn’t make it hurt any less that my actions forced him to make that decision.
“The summer after Junior year, Peter’s family moved into my dad’s building. I probably would have never said anything, but he introduced himself and we started spending time together.”
“I remember,” I told him, unsure if I could handle more details. The pain of hearing he’d made a good friend in New York, because that’s all I’d been willing to allow myself to acknowledge, came back in full force as if it had never left. I remembered summer nights I spent drinking myself into a stupor, alone in my backyard because I couldn’t stand being with anyone but Jasper, imagining how much fun he was having in the big city with his new best friend. Even without letting my mind wander beyond that carefully constructed boundary, those nights had been filled with jealousy, rage and fear. Jasper had never made his dislike of Forks a secret, and the more he told me about how much fun he was having, the more I feared he would never come back. 
“He figured out I was gay and one day he kissed me. If I’d thought there was even the slightest chance of being with you I might have resisted, but I was sure you were straight and I was so tired of being alone...” he explained, his voice full of apology.
“You were a teenage boy getting your first introduction to sex. It’s completely understandable, and I hadn’t exactly been celibate. I understand, Jas. You’d waited longer than most guys. Did you fall for him?”
“At most it was summer love. Puppy love. I’d told him all about you and we both knew we were just messing around, practicing. He certainly didn’t want a long-distance relationship. I briefly considered asking my parents if I could stay in New York, but then, as if you could read my mind across all those miles, you’d called and begged me to come back...”
“I’d felt you pulling away all summer and I was terrified you’d choose to stay there. I must have been really drunk to make that call, though. I would have been too proud to do that sober.”
He chuckled, his chest shaking gently against mine. “You were pretty wasted,” he acknowledged.
I had to wonder what would have happened if I’d never called. Would he have stayed in New York for Senior year?  Would that have been the end of us? It might have shown me just how much I needed him and forced me to confront my feelings sooner, but would he still have been receptive or would he have fallen deeper in love with Peter? 
“I was so thrilled with that call, so thrilled to know that you needed me, but when I came back you got so angry and you just tossed me aside. That was...” his voice shook a little with the memory and he paused, collecting himself. 
“I’ll never be able to apologize enough for that. It was the dumbest thing I’ve ever done. I was so thrilled when you came back, but all you could talk about was this Peter and I... I was jealous as fuck, and did the first thing I could think of to punish you. Even as I was doing it I knew I was cutting off my nose to spite my face, but it was too late and I was too proud. And it didn’t work anyway. Maggie made sure of that.”
“She helped me find courage and perseverance I never knew I had.”
“She made sure I had to come crawling back to you with my tail between my legs,” I noted. I had some residual bitterness over that, even though with the benefit of hindsight I knew it was the best thing for me.
“It didn’t feel that way to me. I was just so happy when things went back to normal. Except for Bella; I could never be happy about her. She somehow figured out how I felt about you and tormented me. I would have done almost anything for you, but I couldn’t handle the thought of spring break with you and her in the same house...”
“I should have left her in Forks. I should have insisted it was a guys-only trip.”
“You were dating. It would have looked wrong. I got that, but I needed an excuse not to go and Peter needed somewhere to go and it seemed like the perfect solution to invite him for a visit.”
“Did you pick up where you’d left off?” It was crass to ask him if he’d been intimate with Peter in Forks, but we were being completely honest and I had to know. He answered, though reluctantly.
“We did. Nothing serious, but two boys our age in the same house without parents, it would have been impossible for us not to. It didn’t mean anything...”
“Bella had made snide remarks all throughout that week in Florida, about you and him sleeping together. I didn’t want to believe her. I needed to believe that you were straight, and that all I was jealous of was your friendship with this stranger, but the images she’d planted in my head festered. When I saw you two coming out of the movie theater, I just wanted to beat him to a bloody pulp to get him out of your life.”
Jasper shuddered against me and I instantly regretted my choice of words, however accurately they described my state of mind at the time. On this night of all nights, he didn’t need reminders of my violent tendencies, even if they’d all been left behind. 
“Unfortunately, Peter sensed that. He already disliked the way you’d been treating me, and he didn’t want to hear anything different after that night. He didn’t understand why I’d stayed friends with you and why I agreed to room with you in college. Learning your reaction to my coming out and what happened right before I flew out to New York that spring only cemented his negative opinion. He hates the fact that I gave us a second chance. He thinks the only reason you want me back is because your ego won’t let you accept that you’d lost control over me. He’s convinced you’re going to hurt me again.”  He paused and looked up at me, his eyes filled with sadness and regret.
“Jas, I would never...”
“I know. I see the kind of life you lead, and how highly everyone thinks of you. You can’t fake that kind of change. You can’t fool that many people over that long of a period of time, especially not on the off chance that you might see someone again. Ross--Peter--isn’t thinking clearly. He’s been too distracted with Dimi to consider everything rationally.” Jasper pressed himself closer to me.  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about him from the start. At first I wasn’t sure what was happening between us, and I wasn’t sure how much information I could and should share. It seemed safer to say nothing. Then, in September, I knew that what we were feeling was real, and right, and exactly what I wanted and needed; everything I’d been yearning for without even realizing it. But it was also new, and I didn’t want to risk it falling apart if you found out about Peter and his objections, and the attack on him and Dimi meant that I didn’t have a chance to convince Peter he was wrong about you. I wanted to, but he was already so stressed out and tired, I couldn’t bother him with my problems. So I didn’t tell you that Ross was really Peter because it was easier to keep up the pretense, at least until Dimi was more recovered. Forgive me?” 
“Of course,” I murmured and nodded. I didn’t like that he’d deceived me, but his explanation made sense. 
“That’s it? You have every right to be angry.”
“No, I don’t. You did what you thought was best, and I can’t blame you for any of it. I wish you didn’t feel the need to do that, but I get why you did. And I want your best friend to approve of me and like me, of course I do, but I don’t know how to convince him that I’m not who he thinks I am.”
“First of all, you’re my best friend,” he said vehemently, “though Peter is a close second,” he conceded. “Second, you won’t have to do anything. It’s my job to convince him.  All I ask is that you meet with him and keep an open mind. If you and he both do that, everything will be fine. He just wasn’t ready for it before, with Dimi injured and all.”
“You really think all I have to do is show up and meet with him?” I was highly skeptical. 
“If I tell him about Rainbow Beginnings and your ride-alongs with the police and everything else you’ve done for the gay community, he’ll have to see that he misjudged you. He once assured me that you’d never come out of the closet, and he was obviously wrong about that. He has to see that he never knew you as well as I did,” Jasper insisted.
“What if he doesn’t?” I asked the question even though I dreaded the answer.
“He will,” Jasper replied stubbornly. “Dimi will help talk sense into him after he meets you and realizes that you’re not the villain Peter has in his head. And the rest of the guys will too. They all liked you. It may take a little time, but he’ll come around. I know it.”
“I hope so, but if you tell him about your plans to move to Seattle, he’ll just think I’m trying to isolate you from your friends and family. It will only reinforce what he’s already thinking.”
Isolation was a classic abuser move, one James employed to its greatest effect. Even though it was Jasper’s idea to move, not mine, from Peter’s vantage point it would probably all seem like my manipulation of at the very least a fortuitous set of circumstances.  Hell, if the guy hated me enough, he might even believe I engineered the whole attack on the park just to get Jasper back into my clutches.
“He knows I have friends in Seattle.”
“But they’re my friends,” I continued to play devil’s advocate.
“Not all of them. No more secrets, right?” he asked cautiously.
“Right,” I nodded and swallowed past a lump forming in my throat. 
“A while ago, back when I was still in school and interning at a TV studio, I met this guy, a back-up musician for a featured singer. We talked and found out that we both grew up in Texas and then lived in Seattle. We had a lot in common and we became good friends. He’s been a confidant and a mentor, and at first a bit more, but not for some time.”
“Have you been here to see him?” It hurt to think that he could have been so close, but to see someone else.
“No.  I was too freaked out about possibly running into you to fly out to Seattle until Seth’s wedding.  I saw him then, but only to talk. He and his partner, the love of his life, got back together a while ago after a bitter break-up and a long time apart. Neither of them would put that at risk now that they’ve worked through everything and are living the dream. But if I needed help, he’d be there for me in a second, and Peter knows that.”
“That’s good. Friends like that are good to have. Will I get to meet him some day?” I asked, uncertain of what I wanted the answer to be. It bothered me that he’d been intimate with so many of his close friends, but then I’d fucked a countless number of strangers and passing acquaintances, some of whom we were bound to run across, which wasn’t any better. 
“Would you like to meet him?” Jasper sounded at once relieved and excited. “I’d love to introduce you, maybe after I move out here and we have more time. I actually still haven’t met his partner, so an introductory dinner would be very nice.”
“I would like to meet him - them - and I’m very glad you have friends out here that are totally your own, to give Peter some comfort.”
“Even if he can’t respect my choice at first, once I move out here and he realizes that everything is fine, he’ll come around. Dimi will help with that. He’s far more measured and he can be more objective, since he doesn’t have any past experience with you.”
Jasper’s hair brushed against my chest as he nodded in affirmation of his statement.
“So I already told you about Rick and Lance, and other than some very sporadic and random one-time tricks, that’s all there is. All my secrets. How about you?”
He shifted his head to look up at me. I took a deep breath, knowing I had to tell him the truth but worried about what he’d think of me once he had my confession.
“I told you about Cliff. After he left, I decided relationships weren’t for me. In fact, for a while I was convinced I just wanted to be alone, but then Seth forced me to go to a bar and introduced me to one of his friends. In fact, it was the guy who ended up taking over Seth’s power-bottom position after Seth met Garrett. He’s a nice guy - Simon. He’ll be at Seth’s party.”
“Ah,” Jasper nodded. “I figured we might run into someone like that there.”
“That’s right. You read about me online.” I felt my face heating up. A reputation was a great thing if I wanted to be a player. It wasn’t so great when the reader was the man I wanted to marry and be with for the rest of my life. 
“Other than some complaints from bitches who were obviously bitter that their bedroom talents weren’t enough to get you to come back, it was all positive,” he said lightly. At least he didn’t seem pissed or jealous, which was a relief, if a little disconcerting.
“You don’t mind that I’ve been with my share of guys?”
There was a prolonged pause before he answered, his tone more serious.
“That’s a hard question to answer. It won’t be fun running into guys you’ve been with. I’m sure a lot of them will want to rub it in my face. But in a way, it will be easier to know there were so many meaningless guys and only one other who actually was important. It would be completely unfair to expect you to have been celibate all those years, and it would be worse if there had been more guys like Cliff.”
“I hope most guys will be respectful. I did my best to avoid the ones with the bitchiest reputations, but obviously that didn’t always work. We will run into some of them, though, that’s inevitable. At some point I stopped going to clubs, but Seth and Garrett hire a catering company that employs a lot of cute waiters,” I confessed. 
“Oh, my God!” Jasper laughed. “I imagine it’s just like Ross and Dimi’s outfit. You’ve met Levi and Rey-Rey. They would have been all over you if you’d been a frequent guest at parties they worked.”
“I guess it’s kind of like that. Those guys are some of the few that I may have been with more than once, but it was still just hook ups, mostly in Seth’s powder room.” I was happy he was taking this so well, but I could still feel myself blushing furiously.
“They know you’re off limits now, right?” Jasper asked with a hint of a possessive growl.
“I haven’t done anything with any of them since Seth’s wedding, so they should, and if they don’t, I’m sure Seth will lay down the law this weekend.”
“Good.” I felt another of his nods. I loved the way they felt against my skin. 
“There was one small exception, and I only mention it because we occasionally still e-mail and I wouldn’t want you to see that and think I kept something from you. It was a hook up during that summer in Stehekin, but it was... different.”
“Different? Different how?”
“It was a couple. They were camping and sensed I was gay and basically exposed themselves to other campers to lure me out to their campsite.”
“Lure? Edward, did they-?” 
There was such worry in his voice, I immediately interrupted, “It was all consensual. They wanted to play with a third and they talked me into it. They actually caught me at one of my lowest points. Seth had Garrett and Emmett had Nasir and Leo was back together with Zack... it seemed like everyone had someone except me, and I didn’t want anyone but you-the one guy I thought I could never have. When I poured my heart out to these two strangers, they suggested that maybe I’d be better off in a threesome, where someone else could pick up my slack if need be. I actually considered it for a while, and even considered moving to Colorado, where they were from.”
“A threesome?” 
“Yeah. Because I didn’t have my whole heart to give to another guy, but if it was all shared between three...” I tried to explain my reasoning. “It might have worked. It may have filled the void without hurting someone the way I’d hurt Cliff.”
“Why didn’t you do it?” His voice was tight. I wasn’t sure if he found the subject painful or if he was angry. 
“I came back and Seth knew right away that something was off. He made me promise to stay in Seattle through the holidays. Then he and Garrett announced their engagement and he promised to invite you to the wedding and suddenly there was this sliver of hope.”
“Would you have done it if I’d refused to talk to you at the wedding?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. It was either that, or...”
“Or?”
I paused. It physically pained me to talk about it. I actually felt my stomach cramp up.
“You know how I get. Everyone here knows too, and they wouldn’t have left me alone. That’s why I wanted to leave.”
“To find that threesome or to try to drink and starve your problems away?”
“Whichever came first, I guess,” I replied honestly. “I mean, I wouldn’t leave to kill myself, but there’s nothing that feeds depression as much as seeing everyone else happy. I thought if I left, at least I wouldn’t be constantly having to deal with that.”
He hugged me tightly. “Promise me that whatever happens in the future, whatever problems we have to face, we’ll work through them. No matter how hard it gets. I promise too. We can’t keep running away from our problems. It doesn’t solve anything.”
“I promise. I’ll never run from you, and I’ll do my best not to push you away. If we have problems, we’ll just have to work through them, however hard it is.”
“That’s a deal,” he nodded against my chest. 
“We should seal it,” I suggested, needing the reassurance of his lips against mine.
“Definitely!” He braced his hands on the mattress on either side of my body and slid up, pressing soft kisses against my collarbone and neck before he reached my lips. That kiss was sweet and slow, but it still made my whole body tingle and my toes curl. Caught up in the tenderness of the moment, it seemed impossible to imagine any problem that could drive us apart. 
“Jas!” I whimpered against his nibbling lips and tangled my fingers in his hair. “You have no idea how much I wish I wasn’t completely spent.”
“Actually, I think I do,” he disagreed. “But cuddling’s good too. It’s all we’ll have when we’re old and impotent.”
“What? No way! You’re like my natural Viagra,” I protested.
“Except when you’re completely spent,” he teased.
“Well...” We both dissolved into laughter and kissed again before he slid back down and settled his face against my chest.
“As true confessions go, this wasn’t too bad,” he reflected. “I’m glad it’s all out now. No more doubts or surprises. I love that we can be completely honest with each other.”
I had to admit, this hadn’t been too bad. He’d had more longer-lasting attachments than I had, but his only serious relationship had been with a guy who lived in another country and was shorter than my relationship with Cliff. Not that I was trying to compare, but on the whole, our past experiences were pretty equal and, Lance’s misconception notwithstanding, we were both coming into the relationship with a fairly clean slate. 
Of course, there was that one last thing, the one I’d promised Cliff I would keep secret. I didn’t want to betray Cliff’s trust, but if Jasper and I were going to be truly honest, I had to reveal what happened and deal with the consequences. I cringed at the thought of how Jasper would react, glad he wasn’t looking at me to see my concern.
“In the spirit of complete honesty, there is something else I have to tell you. The night of Emmett and Nasir’s wedding, when Cliff spent the night in my room...” 
I heard his breath catch and felt his entire body stiffen as he braced for my announcement. I felt a fleeting regret, but it was too late for second thoughts. 
“You fucked him?” he whispered, and there was so much disappointment in his statement it broke my heart. I turned to my side and slid down the bed a little so we were lying face to face and I could look straight into his eyes.
“I didn’t, and I would never do that. Not to anyone, but especially not to you.”
“Then what? You already told me you slept together,” he reminded.
“We did, and you said you were okay with that.”
“I understood - understand - why you did it. I might wish you hadn’t, but it’s done, and I did the same for Peter, so...”
I cursed silently. When he’d told me he comforted Ross I had no idea who Ross was. Would I have accepted this revelation as easily if I’d known this was the first guy Jasper had ever been with? But did it matter, if all they did was sleep? Was it any different than Cliff and I sleeping in the same bed? All the second guessing was starting to give me a headache.
“So did you just forget you’d already told me?” he pressed.
“No, there’s more, though not much more. He kissed me. He was upset with the situation he and Derek found themselves in and he was questioning his decisions and he kissed me.”

“He wants you back,” Jasper summarized darkly. “He realizes he made a mistake when he let you go and he wants you back.”
“No. Not that it would matter if that was the case, because I’m yours and yours alone, but that’s not it. He, of all men, knows that he could never have all of me. It was the reason he left me in the first place.”
“So why did he kiss you? He’s with someone else and he knew you’re with me,” Jasper rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling. “Did you kiss him back?”
“I stopped him as soon as I was able.”
“But you still spent the night with him.” 
“We talked, and then I made him call Derek and they talked, and then Derek and I talked and he thanked me for being there for Cliff. I couldn’t just turn him out at that point. He needed me, as a friend. And after everything that he’d been through with me, I needed to help him.”
“So is that it? Just a kiss?” 
“A one-sided, meaningless kiss.”
“If it was so meaningless, why did you wait to tell me about it?” he challenged. It was a fair question. I could only hope he’d accept my explanation.
“He felt awful afterwards, so I told him no one had to know. It seemed like the right thing to do at the time. He and Derek were having enough problems without adding this to the pile.”
“But we weren’t having problems, and you know I’d never tell Derek. I don’t even know the man!”
“I made a mistake in suggesting it,” I admitted. “The truth is, I wasn’t sure how you’d react, and it was easier to promise to keep it between him and me and pretend it never happened. I’m so sorry, Jas. I swear, nothing like this will ever happen again.”
He let out a deep sigh. 
“Should I not have told you?”
“No, you were right to tell me. It’s just hard. I know you loved him once, and I’m not sure you ever really stop loving someone.”
“Do you still love Rick?”
He shook his head against the pillow. “I don’t, not that way, but that was different. He cheated on me, for a start, and I think we were both desperate to believe our relationship was more than it was.”
“It was the same for me and Cliff.”
“But he was so good to you and he clearly loved you a great deal. Can you really stop loving someone like that, especially when you didn’t choose to end the relationship?”
I considered his words carefully. How dangerous would it be for me to admit that there was a kernel of truth in what he was saying, but that it was so small as to be immaterial?
“Maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s impossible to stop all feelings for someone like Cliff, and I’m not saying I did. He’s a trusted friend and Leo’s brother and I want him to be happy, but I don’t love him romantically anymore and I never loved him as much as I love you. It hurts to admit that because it makes me sound like a dick, but a part of me was always yours. He’s not your competition - you were his. And if you asked I wouldn’t hesitate to stop all contact with him, like he did with me when talking to me put his relationship with Derek in jeopardy. Do you want me to do that?”
“I don’t know. Maybe?”
“I’ll do whatever you want, but I don’t know what to do with a ‘maybe.’”
“Can I think about it?”
I wished so much he wouldn’t. I’d much rather he’d given me an answer then and there, even if that answer required me to sever all ties with Cliff, rather than letting his imagination run wild with what my relationship had been and was now. Unfortunately, it wasn’t my choice.
“Of course.”
He rolled onto his side, facing away from me. Being shut out in such an obvious way felt like a physical blow, until he scooted back and pressed himself against me. I quickly wrapped my arm around him and pulled him to me, placing a kiss against the back of his neck. 
“I trust you,” he said quietly and then turned his head to look back at me. “I do trust you.”
“Thank you. I trust you too. And I’d never betray your trust.”
“I believe you, so no, I don’t want you to break off contact with him. I can’t help feeling jealous, but I can stop myself from imposing stupid conditions. We both need to be able to help our friends when they need us, and we need to believe that we’d both do the right thing if someone tried to come between us.”
“I agree.”
We shared another soft kiss to seal our second accord of the night. His relief was clear in the way his body relaxed completely against mine. He wiggled back to get even closer and I helped by pulling him to me. I buried my nose in his hair to inhale his comforting scent and relaxed as well.
“This feels so right,” he noted in a soft whisper.
“We’re finally where we belong,” I summarized.
The ensuing silence lulled me to sleep, and Jasper must have nodded off too because we were both disoriented when my phone rang and vibrated on the nightstand.
“What the hell?” I mumbled rhetorically, noting the brightness outside the windows. I reached for the phone and saw that it was almost eight o’clock. The face displayed on the phone made me instantly alert.
“Leo? What’s wrong?” I answered with concern. The boys had no reason to call me at this hour of morning. 
“Hi Edward. Nothing’s wrong. Why would you think that?”
“You don’t usually call this early in the morning.”
“Oh, did I wake you? I’m sorry. You don’t usually sleep in this late.”
“It’s okay. Jasper and I were up late last night.”
“Oh. Oops. I didn’t think of that.”
“No biggie. What’s up?”
“Well, Zacky and I miss you and want to see you.”
“Okay. You know you two are always welcome to visit,” I said, still confused why this was something that had to be discussed at this hour of the day.
“Are we?  That’s cool, ‘cause we were thinking about coming out tonight, with my dads.”
“Tonight?” I couldn’t have heard him correctly. 
“Yeah. We were all taking last night how we wanted to see you after last weekend, you know? And how we wanted to meet Jasper. And Daddy T. said if you were okay with it, they’d fly us all in, but I had to make sure it was all right.”
“You want to fly in tonight?” I confirmed. “The four of you?”
“Yeah. Zacky checked and there are flights that will get us all in this evening, around 8. You wouldn’t even have to pick us up at the airport. Daddy T. said they’d rent a car.  And if the four of us stayed over the garage we wouldn’t interrupt you and Jasper too much,” he bargained, probably sensing my reluctance. 
“There’s only one bed up there,” I said absently as my mind struggled to figure out if I could somehow smooth this new wrinkle into our plans.
“One bed and a pullout sofa, so plenty of room. I know it’s short notice, but we really would all love to meet him, and Seth’s party is this weekend. Moose and Molly are going this year and Zacky would love to be there too.”
“Is everything okay?” Jasper asked, flipping over to look at me with sleepy eyes.
“Hold on a sec,” I said into the phone before placing the call on mute. “Leo and Zack and Leo’s dads want to know if it’s okay for them to fly out to meet you tonight.”
“Tonight? Aren’t they, like, in California?”
“Zack and Leo are. Bruce and Tyrone are in Spokane. Would you mind? I can tell them no.”
Jasper frowned. “They’re like your family, right? And if I wasn’t here you wouldn’t hesitate to say yes. I don’t want you to turn away family because of me.”
“I’ve been sharing you all week,” I said petulantly. “This is the first day we were going to have together, alone.”
“If they’re coming tonight then we’ll still have the day together, and pretty soon we’ll have all our days together,” he pointed out.
“But this isn’t fair to you. You weren’t expecting having to meet so many people at once.”
“I’ll be fine. I’d like to meet them all, actually, and you said it’s not often that they’re in Seattle.”
“That’s true. The boys are here more frequently to visit Zack’s mom, but Bruce and Tyrone don’t have as many reasons to fly here. So I should tell him yes?
Jasper smiled and nodded. I took the call off mute. “Okay, Leo. Who’ll give me your travel details?”
“That’s awesome, Edward. I can’t wait ‘till tonight. We already packed last night, just in case, and I have our bag in the back so I can pick up Zacky and go right to the airport.”
“I thought you said you were flying in tonight.” I frowned. 
“We are. I have to work and Zacky has a lab, but I’ll get out a little early and get him right from here. Dads have to make all the arrangements, since they’re paying, so they have all the info. Could you call them to tell them we’re on so they can book the tickets?” 
I rolled my eyes and smiled at how skillfully he’d roped me into helping to arrange his visit.
“Sure, Leo, I’ll call Tyrone. Safe trip and we’ll see you tonight.”
“I can’t wait, Edward. I gotta go. Bye.”
He ended the call before I could say goodbye. I chuckled and set down the phone.
“Don’t you have to call Tyrone?” Jasper asked. 
“I do and I will, but there’s something else I need to do first,” I said as I leaned in to kiss him. 
“I approve of your priorities,” he said when we pulled back.
“I’m glad. Did you sleep okay?”
“Must have. The last thing I remember was your arm pulling me into you and then the phone rang.”
“Good. We should probably try to catch a nap later. With everyone flying in, it’s bound to be a late night.”
“You’d better call so they do fly in.”
“Right, okay.”
“I need to use the john, and then take some Advil.”
“Headache?”
He grimaced in answer. “Next time I try to prove I can drink for five, stop me, okay?”
I nodded and ran my hand over his bare back as he threw off the covers and sat up. 
I watched him grab the bottle of Advil and walk to the bathroom, his glutes teasing me with his every step. I lay back on the bed, closed my eyes and gave my hardening dick a squeeze. We had the whole day together, and I hoped we’d spend a good part of it making love. For now, though, I had a task to get done. I opened my eyes, reached for my phone, and dialed Tyrone’s number.
“Hello, Edward. I take it you heard from Leo,” Tyrone answered.
“He just called. How did he manage to get you and Bruce to foot the bill for this one?  The tickets will cost a fortune on such short notice.”
“Actually, surprisingly, they’re not that bad, and it’s only money. Definitely worth it to make Leo so happy and to see you and get to meet your young man at the same time. But we’ll only come if it’s not too much of an imposition. I hope you know you can tell us no if you have other plans.”
I laughed. “I don’t really believe that was an option, but as it happens we were planning a quiet evening at home tonight before the big Halloween party tomorrow, so there’s nothing to interrupt. We’re excited for the chance to see you all,” I told him with genuine building excitement. I still wished Jasper and I could have had more time alone, but hearing Tyrone’s voice made me eager to see him. He was my mentor and surrogate father, and I was happy for him and Jasper to meet one another.
“All right, then. I’ll let Bruce know and he’ll e-mail all the details once he makes the arrangements. We were planning to meet the boys at the airport and drive out to your place together. We can pick up food on the way if you place the order and give us directions.”
“That’s not necessary, Tyrone. It’ll only be the six of us. I’ll make dinner. Nothing as fancy as Bruce’s efforts, but better than take-out.”
“Edward, we don’t want you to go to any trouble. You should enjoy your time with Jasper today instead of cooking.”
I considered for the moment and realized there was time to make the final decision later in the day.
“How about you call me when you’re in Seattle and I’ll let you know if there’s anything to pick up?” I suggested. Tyrone gave a low chuckle.
“That sounds like a wise plan. We’ll see you later.”
“We’re looking forward to it.”
I ended the call and placed the phone back on the nightstand. I looked toward the bathroom and frowned when I realized that Jasper had been in there far too long. Concern and a new awareness of my own full bladder prompted me to throw off the cover and slip out of bed to join him. 
“Did you fall asleep in here?” I joked until I saw him sitting on the floor, his face buried in arms that were wrapped around his knees pulling them to his chest. In seconds I was down on the floor in front of him, my hands reaching for his shoulders to pull him toward me. I felt him flinch and resist so I immediately let go. “Jas, what’s wrong?”
He lifted his tear streaked face. 
“I don’t know,” he said, shaking his head. “I was taking the Advil and looked in the mirror and saw I look like hell.”
I knew better than to believe this reaction was caused by his vanity. Instead of interrogating him I asked, “Can I hold you?”
“Please,” he nodded. I sat down and spread my arms and my legs before I half turned him and pulled him into my body. His skin was cool from having sat for several minutes with no cover. I rubbed the parts I could reach with my hands, trying to comfort and warm him.
“I remembered looking in the mirror most mornings and seeing new cuts and bruises,” he whispered. 
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry we saw that bastard last night, but he’ll never so much as touch you ever again, I swear it!” I wished so much I could go back and change the past, to erase James Visser from our lives. 
“I know, but I’m not worried about me anymore. Did Roberto call you last night?” he looked up at me hopefully.
“He did. He and his partner saw James, but didn’t see anything to give them a reason to arrest him.”
“Did they see Krister?”
“They did. Roberto said he seemed scared, but there were no signs of recent abuse, and he knows what to look for.”
“He probably beat him after they left.”
“Let’s hope their visit distracted him or gave him pause.”
“Maybe for a night. What about tonight, or tomorrow?” Jasper said, sounding dejected. 
“It’s all we can do, for now.”
“I know.” He pressed himself closer against me. 
“Let’s go back to bed? Maybe get some more sleep, or at least warm up a little?” I suggested.
“Okay.”
I helped him stand up. “I just gotta take a leak,” I explained, moving towards the toilet. “If you wanna go, I’ll be right there.”
“I’ll wait,” he said and stayed close to me. I reached for him and wrapped my left arm around his waist as I grabbed my dick with my right hand to aim and shake off. When I finished we went back to bed together. Jasper immediately cuddled into me and I gave him as much comfort and security as I physically could. For the time being it must have been enough, because soon I felt his body go limp as his breathing evened out.
“I’ll get him, Jas. I’ll get him for you. With Seth and Roberto’s help, we will get him,” I murmured my promises quietly so as not to wake him. 
I must have fallen back asleep, because when I next opened my eyes I found Jasper facing me. 
“Hey,” he said softly. 
“Hey,” I replied, reaching up to rub my eyes. “Guess I fell asleep. Sorry.”
“Don’t be. I slept too.”
“Everything okay?”
“Slept like a baby in my man’s arms.”
“How long have you been awake?”
“Just a few minutes. I was going to get up and make you breakfast in bed, but it was too nice just to lie here and watch you sleep. I loved doing that when we were younger and you weren’t such an early riser.”
“Yeah?” I recalled waking up next to him, trying to keep my breathing even so he wouldn’t know I was awake lest it force him to leave the bed. 
“A-huh. You look amazing when you sleep. So serene.” He reached up and finger combed my hair. “Even with this messy bronze mop.”
“It can’t be tamed, unless I get a buzz cut,” I grinned.
“Don’t you dare!” he faux threatened.
“You either,” I countered, raising my hand to run my fingers through his hair. He had grown it out and it was very nearly the same length as it had been when we were in high school. I savored the familiar texture. “I love your hair like this. I always have.”
He grinned with just one corner of his lips. “It’s more of a pain this way, but you’re worth it.”
My stomach rumbled before I could respond and we both laughed.
“You said something about breakfast?”
“I could still make it and bring it here.”
I loved knowing he felt comfortable enough in the house to want to cook by himself, but I loved spending time with him even more.
“It’s time to get out of bed,” I said, noting that it was nearly ten. “Let’s eat something and then maybe we can finally make use of the hot tub. Afterwards we can shower and shave.”
“Aw, but I like your scruff,” he complained.
“That isn’t necessarily the shaving I had in mind,” I chuckled. "You must have noticed last night we’re getting a little scruffy everywhere, and I thought it would be nice to take care of that together.”
“Oh,” he blushed. “It has been a while. I hope it didn’t bother you too much.”
“It didn’t bother me at all and I’m in exactly the same shape.  It’s not necessary, for either of us, but I think it would be sexy.”
He grinned impishly. “Sounds like a fun day. Let’s get to it.”
We brushed our teeth but hunger drove us to postpone toilette activities to later in the day. Remmy waited for us outside the bedroom door, but his agitation at having been barred from his favorite room for so long was quickly dispelled with a long cuddle and scratch from Jasper. We decided that the lateness of the hour merited a more substantive brunch over our more typical light breakfast, and I happily prepared a frittata for us to share while Jasper poured coffee and juice and browned the sausages. 
I’d turned up the temperature in the hot tub so that it would be ready by the time we were done eating. After brunch we wrapped towels around ourselves for the minimum of modesty we needed to make our way through the back yard to the evergreen privacy hedge around the tub. It felt great to sink together into the hot bubbly water and let it melt away our residual tension. We sat next to each other, hands intertwined and heads thrown back, with only our faces exposed to the calm, cool breeze blowing off the lake. 
“It’s so peaceful,” Jasper commented. “I don’t remember the last time I was outside this long without hearing the sound of traffic.”
“Wonderful, isn’t it? This is what drew me to this house, even more than what’s inside.”
“It’s too bad it’s too cold to go swimming. Must be nice in the summer to come home after work and jump into the lake in the back yard.”
“I’m in here as often as in there, but the boys love the lake, as do many guests at the Fourth of July parties.”
“That’s another thing I have to look forward to. I’m sorry I missed it this year.”
“It’s always a good time with a nice mix of people. I invite my co-workers and some of the neighbors, so there are more heteros than at any of Seth’s parties. People swim, take out the boat, play volleyball, use the hot tub and we usually build a fire. No huge excitement, just a casual good time.”
“Sounds perfect, just like this,” he turned to look at me and we shared a slow kiss. Then, without breaking our lip lock, he half-floated, half-climbed into my lap, reaching down to adjust our cocks so they could rest side-by-side between us. 
“Perfect,” I agreed, massaging the muscles of his back as we kissed and then sliding my hands down to grab generous handfuls of his ass.
I’d had a lot of fantasies involving Jasper and my hot tub, most of them ignoring the harsh reality that water made for a poor lubricant and that while the hedge made a good shield against prying eyes, it didn’t provide any sound barrier. The first was, of course, much more important than the second, and I mentally cursed myself when I realized that I, once again, had failed to make sure everything we’d need to make love wasn’t readily available on the deck surrounding the tub. I offered to run into the house to get the condoms and lube before we got too hot and heavy, but Jasper reluctantly shook his head.
“I don’t want you to leave, not even for a couple of minutes,” he said, resting his head on my shoulder. “I want you inside me, but it can wait until we’re back in bed. For now, I just want to enjoy this with you. I’m still trying to convince myself that this is real, that we’re really both here, together.”
“I know. It’s hard for me to believe it too. It’s all I ever wanted.”
We cuddled, kissed and caressed, taking time to enjoy the outdoors and each other. When we’d both had enough, we went back inside and showered to rinse off the chemicals. Then we took turns helping each other with our intimate grooming before enjoying the results of our efforts in bed. Another nap and we found ourselves with just enough time to dress and run out to the supermarket to re-stock the fridges and kitchens for the visitors who would be joining us that evening. It was our first time shopping together, and I took a secret joy in seeing Jasper place items in the cart that had never been there before. I couldn’t wait to learn all his favorites, so I could make the right choices even if I had to shop alone.
Back at home, Jasper helped me bring snacks and beverages up to the apartment above the garage and took care of the kitchen while I made sure toiletries, fresh bedding and towels were available for all our guests. We then retreated to the house where we worked together to prepare dinner. By the time Tyrone called to let us know they had all landed safely, Jasper and I had the beef, chicken and shrimp cut up, skewered and marinating, the salad prepared, and the potatoes rough cut and ready to be pan-fried in olive oil. Jasper had also mixed the fresh berry medley we planned to serve over lemon pound cake for dessert. 
“This feels so domestic. It’s our first time hosting a dinner party,” Jasper’s tone was teasing, but his excitement was sincere. “Is this okay to wear? Should I change into something more formal?” He looked down at his Ivory baseball tee with navy sleeves, which he had paired with skinny jeans that emphasized his height and lean build.
“You look great. Bruce and Tyrone may be dressed formally if they went to the airport right from work, but Zack and Leo dress casually as often as they can. I’m casual,” I said, pointing to my heather gray henley.
“Yeah, but they’ve met you already. You’re not making a first impression. I should put something else on. Maybe that V-neck sweater we bought yesterday.”  
I reached for him and caught him in my arms before he could rush off to change. 
“You look great, and they’re not so shallow that they would judge anyone by their clothes, anyway.”
He arched an eyebrow.
“I thought you said they were gay?”
I let out a laugh. “Okay, they might judge some people by their clothes, but not you. They’ll be far too impressed by what’s underneath the clothes.”
“That’s not for them. Only you get what’s underneath the clothes,” he purred. 
“And that’s just the way I want it!” I growled back. “But sexy bod aside, you really do look fantastic. You always do. Must be the New York fashion sense. You give Seth a run for his money.”
“God forbid!” He kissed me. “Thanks! So when will they be here? Should we fire up the grill?”
We started the grill and then relaxed in the living room to watch a show about a hot modern-day hunter of mythical beasts while we waited, speculating how much better it would be if the main character’s fiancé turned out to be a beard and he got it on with his equally hot partner. About halfway through the show, just as the main character was figuring out the nature of the beast that was terrorizing the city that week, we heard a car pull into the driveway. 
“They’re here,” I said to Jasper with a smile.
“Showtime,” he muttered nervously and donned a similar grin. 
“Hey,” I said as I pulled him up and into my arms. “They’re going to love you just like I do, but just to make you feel better, it wouldn’t matter one bit if they didn’t. That would be their problem, not ours, okay?”
“Okay,” he nodded sheepishly. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”
“There’s no need. No one is gonna have any problems tonight.”
We walked up to the front door just as the bell rang. As soon as I flipped the lock and pulled the door open, Troy launched himself at me, throwing his arms around my neck and wrapping his legs around my waist so I had no choice but to let go of Jasper and use my arms to keep Troy in place.
“Edward!!” he yelped excitedly. “It’s so good to see you. We’re so glad you’re okay.”
“Hello, Leo. It’s good to see you too,” I couldn’t help laughing as we shared the full body hug. “Hey guys,” I greeted the other three men over his shoulder. “Come on in. You must be tired from the trip.”
I released my hold on Troy and he took the cue to slide to the floor and step back.  
“Everyone, this is Jasper. Jasper, this overexcited pup is Leo, and that’s his partner, Zack, and his dads, Tyrone and Bruce.”
Leo hesitated for a split second, throwing a quick glance my way before advancing on Jasper and enveloping him in a hug. Short as he was, his head rested against Jasper’s chest. 
“Hi Jasper. We’ve heard so much about you. Sorry for the invasion, but we just couldn’t wait to meet you!”
“Hi, Leo. I’ve heard a lot about all of you, too, and I’m very happy to be able to meet you,” Jasper smiled into Leo’s upturned face and then looked over so as not to exclude the others. 
“My turn, Lee,” Zack said, placing his hand on Troy’s shoulder. Troy let go of Jasper and stepped back to make room for his partner. Zack wavered between moving in for a hug and extending his hand. 
“Hug him!” Troy said and bumped his shoulder. Zack smiled bashfully and stepped forward until he and Jasper were embracing.
I would have kept watching but I was pulled into a tight hug by Tyrone. “”You nearly gave me a heart attack. Do you have any idea how difficult last Saturday was for us? We were terrified we’d lost another one of our boys.”
I didn’t really believe Bruce had shared the terror, but I knew Tyrone’s sentiment was genuine. 
“It was just a freak incident. There was nothing we could have done to prevent it.”
“I know this, boy, but we’d had one freak incident steal a son from us already. The randomness isn’t comforting.”
“I’m fine, though. Not a scratch.”
“Thank God,” he said and squeezed me tight before releasing me and moving to Jasper. Bruce stepped up for what I expected to be his typical lukewarm, perfunctory hug. While Tyrone was a true surrogate father to me, I always felt Bruce held a grudge over what happened with Cliff, and over my subsequent closeness with Troy. This time, however, he held nothing back, hugging me tightly to his smaller, shorter frame, much as Troy had done with Jasper. 
“Next time, don’t try to be a hero,” he admonished. “When Leo called to tell us you were in a helicopter, we were beside ourselves. Do you know how unstable those things are? Haven’t you heard how often they crash, even without some nut shooting at them? And then when we heard that a helicopter was shot down...”
“I know, Bruce, I’m sorry. I’ve heard it all already from everyone, believe me. It was just something I had to do. It seemed safe at the time,” I lied, because the bulletproof gear at the time was a good indicator that what we were doing was definitely not safe.
“Fine. But next time give someone else a chance to help while you stay inside, on the ground, behind men who are there to protect civilians!”
“Let’s hope there isn’t a next time.”
“Agreed,” he nodded and stepped back, turning to greet Jasper. I was still a little overwhelmed at the unexpected warmth and vehemence of his response, so I was surprised to feel Zack wrap his arms around me.
“Hi Edward, sorry I skipped you earlier,” he said.
“No problem, I always head for Jasper first too,” I told him with a wink.
“It’s not that.” He blushed. “It was more the way Lee grabbed him. Never mind.”
“Ah, I get it. Yeah, I get possessive too. But you have nothing to worry about. Leo already thinks the sun rises and sets with you and Jasper doesn’t top.”
Zack smiled brightly. “I should have thought of that, though, I mean, it wasn’t necessarily the case. I didn’t really know.”
“And now you do. So you can let your guy be the excitable pup that he is with no worries.”
“Thanks!” he gave me another squeeze and then let me go.
“You guys must be starving. The kebabs are ready to go. I’ll go throw them on the grill and we’ll be eating in a few minutes,” I announced. “In the meantime, help yourselves to drinks. You know where everything is.”
“I’ll help you carry everything out,” Jasper offered.
“Can I help too?” Leo asked eagerly.
“Sure, thanks. And if someone could get out the salad and dessert, that would help too. It’s chilly, so I thought we’d eat inside.”
“I’ll take care of the salad while you grill,” Bruce staked his claim. .
“Sounds like you have things under control here, Edward. Why don’t I take our bags up to the apartment so we don’t have to worry about it later?”
“Great idea. The key’s on the rack y the door.”
“I’ll help with the bags,” Zack said and started to follow Tyrone to the door.
“Just so you know, you and Leo are welcome to stay in the guest room here. No need to use the pull-out when there is a comfy bed available.” I offered.
“But you and Jasper...” Leo started to protest.
“Are perfectly capable of closing our bedroom door. Really, Leo, you won’t be disturbing us. Don’t you want to stay in your old room?”
Zack and Tyrone were looking at Troy expectantly, waiting for his decision. Bruce looked away to the kitchen, trying to hide his disappointment, but I saw it and I was sure Troy did too.
“It’s not that, but we don’t get that much time to spend with Dads and we thought camping out in the apartment this weekend might be fun,” Troy said. “What would you prefer, Zacky?” he tried to avoid having to make a tough decision.
“It’s up to you Lee, but I know you were looking forward to all of us staying together. Why don’t we do that, for tonight, at least?” As usual, Zack saved his partner by offering the perfect solution.
“Good idea!  Yeah, we’ll stay there tonight and we’ll see about tomorrow.” Troy nodded enthusiastically. Bruce’s shoulders visibly relaxed and the corners of his mouth lifted. Obviously he’d been looking forward to spending time with his son. They had always been close and most likely they had planned to stay up late talking. 
“Sounds like we have a plan. Coming, Zack?” Tyrone asked, holding the front door open.
We all dispersed to complete our various tasks. I took charge of the grill and Jasper heated the olive oil in a deep pan on the side burner while Leo brought out the food. 
“Watch the temp on that side burner. The olive oil shouldn’t get too hot,” I cautioned Jasper.
“Oh, man. Home-made fries? You’re spoiling us, Edward. Do you like to cook too?” Troy asked Jasper.
“Me? Not really. I can handle the basics, but my roommates own a catering company so I almost never have to cook.”
“Oh, Edward never mentioned you had roommates, but I guess Manhattan is as expensive as San Fran. I do most of the cooking for us and I do okay. Zacky doesn’t complain, anyway. But I don’t like it. Not like Daddy B. and Cliff and Edward. Oh!-” Troy stopped abruptly and sent me a panicked look.
“It’s okay. Edward told me about Cliff.”
“Right. I mean, I figured he would have,” Troy was cautious. 
“Jasper knows everything, so you can speak freely,” I added my reassurance. 
“Okay, cool. But I wasn’t even going to talk about Cliff, except that he and daddy B keep teaching me how to make all these different things and I think they really want me to love it like they do, but I just don’t.”
“We all have different interests. I wouldn’t worry about it.” I told him.
“I’m not worried, I just wish I could share that with them. What kind of stuff do you like to do, Jasper?”
“Well, I don’t have that much free time, but I like movies, theater, dancing; basically I like hanging out with my friends. We don’t just party, though. We help out at the center for homeless gay kids.”
“You do? That’s so cool! It’s nice that those places exist, but I bet whatever help they give, it isn’t enough,” Leo said bitterly. 
“Edward mentioned that your parents threw you out when you were only fourteen. I’m so sorry you had to go through that, especially at that age. Your parents should have been prosecuted.”
Troy rolled his eyes. “Whatever. The system doesn’t work like that.”
“I know, but it should.”
“It turned out for the best, eventually. It was social services who placed me with Dads. Now I have the best family in the world. And that includes Edward. I never would have fit in if he hadn’t been there in the beginning.”
“Hand me that plate, Leo. The shrimp are done,” I cut short Leo’s adulation.
“I’ll bring them inside. Be right back.”
“So that’s Leo, huh? 
“That’s him. He’s a great kid.”
“He obviously thinks highly of you too. It’s strange, for so long I knew you as an only child, and now you have a younger sister and brother. I love seeing all these different sides of you.”
“Yeah?” I grinned at him.
“Yup. Am I doing this right?”
I glanced at the fries he’d pulled out of the oil. They looked perfect, but I wasn’t above snatching one to taste.
“Mmm, perfect! And you claim not to cook.”
“I don’t, but it’s hard not to pick up stuff from Ross and Dimi.”
“Are those your roommates, the caterers?” Troy asked as he came back out of the house.
“Yup.”
“They’re the ones who were attacked right before Emmett’s wedding?”
“Yeah,” Jasper’s reply was measured.
“I hate that it happened to them, or that it happens at all. But Edward said they were doing better.”
“They are. In fact, Dimi went out last Friday for the first time. It was only for a little while, because he tires easily, but it’s progress. Em was in town and Nas was stuck in London, so we went out with them and my other friends.”
“Oh yeah, I forgot that Emmett spends some of his weekends in New York. That must be cool.”
“More like exhausting, for the both of them, but I know neither would give up those visits for the world,” I added.
“Sucks that they just got married and they can’t even live together. I couldn’t be so far from Zacky.”
“You could and you would if that was the only option,” I said and exchanged a sad, knowing look with Jasper.
“Oh, man, I’m such and idiot! It’s just that Jasper looks so natural here that I totally forgot he lives in New York too. I’m sorry,” Troy pouted. 
“It’s not your fault, and it’s not like we ever forget. We’re gonna do something about that distance soon,” I said with conviction.
“Good. You need to do whatever will make you both happiest.” Troy said, which was a marked change from the way he initially reacted to the possibility of my moving from Seattle the previous year. I guess that lesson had stuck.
“Well, the chicken needs a few more minutes but the beef’s done. I’ll just take these in,” I told them and headed inside before Troy could offer to do it for me. In the kitchen, Bruce was dressing the salad and Tyrone was opening a bottle of Merlot. “Just waiting for the chicken to get done. Shouldn’t be long now,” I told them as I placed the beef kebabs on the dining room table. 
“Can I pour you and Jasper some wine?” Tyrone asked.
“I’m not sure. He may prefer a beer or nothing,” I replied, thinking that after the previous night Jasper would not want to go anywhere near wine, “and I’ll drink whatever he’s drinking. Zack, your and Leo’s favorites are in the fridge, both here and at the apartment. Help yourself.”
“I already did, thanks.” Zack held up two bottles. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“We were at the store anyway,” I shrugged. “Well, I’ll go get the chicken.”
I headed towards the deck. I’d left the sliding door ajar on my way in and now I could hear Leo’s voice drifting in with the lake breeze.
“...heard so much about you over the years and don’t take this the wrong way but I had to meet you in person because Edward is important, you know? If it wasn’t for him, Zacky and I wouldn’t be together now. I mean, like, at all. I wouldn’t have met him if Edward hadn’t invited him to a Fourth of July party just to make sure there was someone there my age, and then later when I messed up - really messed up - Edward did so much to help me pick up the pieces and fix things. I owe him a ton and it sucks that I couldn’t do anything for him and before you came back he’d been so down...”
“I think you’re wrong, Leo. I think you did a lot for him. Having you in his life, having you here with him, giving him a focus and a purpose, all that helped.”
I looked back toward the kitchen and dining room, feeling guilty about eavesdropping. Bruce, Tyrone and Zack were talking and not paying any attention to me. Obviously Troy and Jasper weren’t aware that I had been heading outside. I wrestled with myself, knowing that I should go out there but also wanting to hear the rest of the conversation taking place on the deck, which I was sure would stop if I joined them.
“Yeah, but then we had to move for Zack’s school, and Edward was alone, and for a while we were so worried... But he’s been much better since June. We saw it at Emmett’s wedding. I’ve never seen him as happy as he is tonight, with you here, and you seem really cool and all, and serious about him.”
“I’m very serious about him, Leo,” Jasper said. “That’s something you don’t have to worry about. I was hesitant at first, because of my own misconceptions, but not anymore. Edward and I belong together.”
“Yeah, I know he thinks so and after seeing you two...”
“Are you guys watching the chicken at all, or did you let it burn?” I teased as I slid the door open and stepped outside. I walked up behind Jasper and wrapped my arm around his waist to pull him back against me.
“We’re too busy talking about you to cook,” Jasper joked and turned his head for a kiss, which I was glad to deliver. “Surf and Turf kebabs ought to be enough.”
“Did they burn, Edward? I wasn’t even thinking.” Troy said apologetically. I lifted the grill cover and saw that the chicken kebabs seemed none the worse for wear, save for a little extra charring.
“They’re fine. How about the fries?”
In response, Jasper motioned to a large platter piled with golden french fries, “Let’s go eat.”
“What are you drinking, Jasper?” Tyrone asked as we came in.
“I think I’ll stick with water tonight. Had a little too much wine last night.”
“And the same for me,” I added needlessly, since Tyrone was already pulling out two glasses from the cabinet. He used the fridge water dispenser to fill them and brought them to the table where the rest of us had already gathered. It was late and our guests were hungry, so we dished out the food first and ate a bit before anyone started talking.
“So did you have a good week off, Edward?” Tyrone said when everyone had sated their initial hunger.
“The best, though we’ve been so busy it doesn’t feel like a week off. I had that interview Monday and the funeral Tuesday, and then we drove out to see my mom.  This is the first day we’ve had to just hang out by ourselves at home.”
“And we just invited ourselves over. You should have said something,” Tyrone chastised.
“No, he shouldn’t have. We already saw the rest of Edward’s family this week. It was only right that I get to meet all of you too,” Jasper interjected so smoothly that even Bruce responded with an approving nod.
“Well we have certainly looked forward to meeting you,” Tyrone said
“Especially Lee. You’re lucky he waited this long. He wanted to get in the car and drive over here last weekend.”
 “Zacky talked me out of it. Kinda.”
 “He only managed to delay you for a bit,” Bruce followed his wry observation with a small grin.
“Leo’s as stubborn as his father,” Tyrone explained with a pointed look in his husband’s direction.
“That’s unfair. You’re not that stubborn,” Bruce replied lightly.
“What’s it like working on The Today Show, Jasper?” Zack thoughtfully changed subjects. “Do you get to meet all the guests?”
“I love working on the show, but I’m mostly in the editing room, so I don’t usually mingle with guests. I’ve gone out of my way to meet some of them, but to be honest most of the celebrities don’t interest me.”
Zack and Troy were both clearly disappointed. 
“What about the hosts and stuff?” 
“They’re all right,” Jasper said in a cautious tone that betrayed he was trying to be tactful. “I’m partial to the people on the technical crew. That’s who I tend to hang out with.”
“Did you always want to be a video editor?” Tyrone asked.
“I always wanted to work in TV, and I had no interest in being in front of the cameras. I did a lot of different jobs as an intern, both in the US and the UK. While I was interning for NBC I met one of the editors and he became a mentor. When I graduated, the network just happened to have low level position available in editing, so I jumped at it. At first I was just a glorified go-fer. I worked wherever I was needed. Eventually I moved up through the ranks and managed to get on the Today show.”
“Is the next step a drama or a sitcom? I imagine that’s easier to edit than a live show.”
“Editing a live show sure has its challenges, but I love it! You can never take anything for granted or let down your guard, because the guests do the craziest things and you need to know when to keep the focus on them and when to cut to commercial. I mean, the director makes those decisions, but editors have to be ready to implement. This one time...”
Jasper launched into a story. His enthusiasm brightened his features and made his eyes sparkle. All eyes in the room were fixed on him as he entertained us with anecdotes about misbehaving celebrities or camera-shy interviewees. I listened along with the others, but I at the same time I couldn’t help thinking that no matter what job he found in Seattle, it would never bring Jasper as much pleasure as his current job obviously did. 
“...so there are some moments of levity and I got used to the crazy hours. It’s hard to take time off - unlike the sitcoms and the dramas we don’t go on hiatuses - but otherwise it’s been a blast and I’m really fortunate to have had that opportunity.”
“Had?” Bruce immediately picked up on the past tense. Jasper looked in my direction.
“I decided to look for a job in Seattle. The distance is difficult even for a couple who can see each other on the weekends, like Emmett and Nasir. With our work schedules, even that’s not possible, and I’m tired of being so far away from my man. I’m hoping I’ll find an opening at King 5 or another local station.”
Troy gasped and then clapped his hands. “That’s awesome! We kinda figured Edward might move to New York, which would be fine, but it’ll be easier to see you both this way.” 
“That’s a rather sudden decision,” Tyrone commented neutrally. “A career move should be carefully considered, especially one you love so much.”
“I love Edward more than any job and what happened last weekend made it very clear that I shouldn’t wait. I don’t want us to be apart a minute longer than we have to.”
“Even with the decision made, Jasper still needs to find a job, so he won’t be moving out here immediately,” I pointed out. Much as I wanted to be with him, I didn’t want Jasper to make any overly hasty decisions he’d later regret, and I especially didn’t want it to look like I was pressuring Jasper to leave New York immediately. 
“But soon,” Jasper’s voice held a promise.
“Soon,” I echoed.
“Is everyone done eating? Should we clear the table?” Bruce suggested. With the six of us working together, it took little time to load the dishwasher and pack up the scant leftovers. We refreshed our drinks and adjourned to the living room. 
“So, now that we’re practically family, I wonder if I could ask you for some insider information,” Bruce began the conversation. 
“Oh Chop-Chop, I thought we’d agreed you wouldn’t put Jasper on the spot like that,” Tyrone rolled his eyes.
“I don’t really have much useful insider information about the show, but I’m under a confidentiality agreement for what little I do know,” Jasper quickly said. I hoped it was enough to cut off Bruce’s surprisingly inappropriate request.
“Oh, no, no. I’m not interested in the show or your work. I would never ask about something like that.”
“His father’s work, on the other hand...” there was a definite edge to Tyrone’s voice.
Jasper looked as confused as I felt. “You have a question about my dad’s books?”
“Bruce is a big fan of the Curt Swanson detective series,” Tyrone explained.
“I was actually a fan of your father’s non-fiction work first, but when it was revealed that he was the author of the detective series under a pen name, I started reading those as well. I was always curious why he chose to publish those under a different name? He’d already built up such a loyal fan following.” 
“Oh,” I could feel Jasper relaxing. “That’s not really a secret. It’s just not something he talks about. The different name was because of me, actually. Dad had a suspicion that the detective series would turn out to be more lucrative than his other works, and he and my mom didn’t want me to know he was the author of a popular series.”
“Why ever not? I suppose they’re not appropriate for younger children, but they’re fine for teens.”
“It wasn’t that they didn’t want me to read the books. They just didn’t want me to know the extent of my dad’s income. I guess they didn’t want to treat me differently than my sister just because dad made so much more money than my step-dad and they thought if I knew I’d feel entitled to better treatment.”
“That’s very interesting,” Tyrone observed.
“Dad put the portion of his income that he would have been required to pay for child support in a trust fund for me, so it was available to pay for college and to cover other expenses. I had no idea that trust fund even existed until I moved to New York.”
“So now that the pen name mystery is solved,” I attempted to change the subject.
“Wait, wait, Edward. I was curious about that, but that’s not the information I’m fishing for. What I’m hoping to learn from Jasper is if the rumors about the next book in the series are true?”
“Which rumors are those?” Jasper tried to play coy, but it was obvious he knew exactly what Bruce was asking.
“The rumors about the next book finally revealing for certain that Curt’s new partner is gay.”
“Oh, those rumors,” Jasper nodded with a smile.
“Your father has certainly dropped many hints. Everyone in the family knows, but will it finally be revealed to the masses?”
“Unfortunately, I don’t know,” Jasper shrugged his shoulders in apology. 
“How can you not know?  The Manhattan gay lifestyle is described so well in his books, you must be his advisor. Were you the inspiration for the character?  He was only introduced three years ago, which means he would have first been written about four to five years ago...” Bruce kept fishing.
“I’m certainly not the inspiration for the character, but my coming out probably inspired Dad to include the character in the series.”
“So he is gay!  For sure!” Bruce said triumphantly. 
“He is,” Jasper nodded. “Just not officially, not yet. And if you quote me on that I’ll deny it,” he added with a grin.
“This is so exciting!  The rumor is that in the next book we’ll also meet his boyfriend, and a bunch of their friends. If true, that will be a first time our community will have this much exposure in a bestselling mainstream detective series.”
“Some people have said that, but again, I don’t really know”
“You totally know,” Troy called him on his lie. “Edward, make him tell us!”
“Sorry, guys. If Jasper says he doesn’t know, then that’s the end of story,” I said with a smile. We all knew Jasper had the information Bruce wanted, and we all knew he wouldn’t reveal it.
“I don’t have any advanced information, but I could make sure an autographed advanced reader’s copy makes its way into your hands.”
Bruce gasped and his eyes lit up with excitement.
“That settles it. You’re now officially one of our boys!”
Jasper and I grinned at each other and out of the corner of my eyes I saw Tyrone’s approving smile as well.
We stayed up a little while longer talking, but we were all pretty beat from the week’s activities and soon our four guests were taking their leave for the night. We agreed to have breakfast together the next day, though the four insisted that they would not come over until they received a text from us letting them know we were awake and ready. 
“There’s just no good reason for you boys to get up early just because of us, and we’ll probably sleep in as well. If we do get up first, we’ll just have coffee and something light to munch on while we wait.” Tyrone decreed.
We all exchanged goodnight hugs and then Jasper and I stood in the doorway and watched them head up to the apartment until they disappeared behind that front door after a last wave. We closed and locked our door and shared an impulsive hug.
“They’re great, Edward. Really great. I love them.”
“I could see that. And they love you, even Bruce, and he’s the toughest of the four to crack.”
“I guess it helps to be related to one of his favorite authors.”
“Bribery will get you everywhere!”
“Huh. In that case, what should I use to bribe Remmy out of the bedroom?”
“He’s a lot like me, so a cuddle and a long scratch,” I replied without hesitation.
“You’re too easy,” he smirked.
“I didn’t tell you where you had to scratch me, and with what,” I told him with a wink. 
“Ah, now you have my attention. But let me take care of our furkid’s more traditional needs first,” he said with a smile as he reached for Remmy, who had already installed himself on top of our bed.
“Sorry, kid, daddies need some alone time again tonight,” he murmured into Remmy’s ear as his long fingers brushed through our cat’s fur along the length of his arching back. 
Remmy didn’t seem at all perturbed about being held and carried out of our room and into the playroom. He meowed and purred and butted his head under Jasper’s chin in a demand for a longer scratch, but eventually he jumped out of Jasper’s arms and curled in the nest of blankets he’d made his own the previous night. He allowed me to scratch behind his ears before he closed his eyes and settled to sleep.
“You see, bribery will get you everywhere,” I told Jasper as I closed the bedroom door behind us, “though I admit even I didn’t expect him to be so docile.”
“He knows his daddies need some more bonding time,” Jasper said, reaching for the hem of my shirt and tugging it upward. 
“He is a very smart feline,” I concurred.
We didn’t talk much after that, just stripped each other and slid into bed, where we made sure to thoroughly appreciate Remmy’s sacrifice.